Chapter 314

Evelyn turned. The direction of Nathaniel's gaze told her everything—he was watching Julian's car disappear down the street.

"Oh, he was my senior in the law department at university. Incredibly kind. Honestly, I wouldn't have gotten out of this mess without him."

"Kind?" Nathaniel crushed his half-smoked cigarette underfoot. His dark eyes bore into hers. "That man is the most notoriously unapproachable attorney in the city. Yet he drops everything to help a former junior? You must be exceptionally close."

The accusation hung in the air.

Evelyn clenched her jaw. Explaining meant risking her secrets. No plausible lie came to mind. Better to say nothing.

Then—

Sophia appeared out of nowhere, swinging a bucket. She dunked a bundle of sage leaves and flung water straight at Evelyn. "Bad luck, be gone!"

The icy splash hit Evelyn square in the face. She sputtered, coughing.

Nathaniel's expression darkened. In one swift motion, he yanked Evelyn against him, shielding her with his coat. His glare at Sophia could have frozen lava. "What the hell was that?"

Sophia just grinned.

Evelyn burst out laughing.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply but didn't stop her.

Sophia gaped. "Why are you laughing?"

"At you! You're ridiculous!" Still giggling, Evelyn wriggled free and grabbed Sophia's shoulders. "But thanks. I do need to shake off the bad juju. Especially after someone"—she shot Nathaniel a look—"dragged me into his drama."

Sophia smirked. "Hear that, Uncle? You're the bad luck."

Nathaniel pinched the bridge of his nose.

The girls huddled together, whispering and laughing.

Left standing alone, Nathaniel watched Evelyn—carefree, radiant, ignoring him. He straightened the coat she'd wrinkled, lit another cigarette, and exhaled sharply.

"Here for Evelyn?"

The sugary voice made Sophia's smile vanish. Amelia stood there, batting her lashes at Nathaniel.

She'd delayed leaving the station, clinging to her brother for updates about Gabrielle. Spotting Nathaniel, she'd rushed over instantly.

Sophia muttered, "Speak of the devil."

Evelyn's laughter died. She glanced at Nathaniel's softened expression, then away—just in time to see Samuel leaning against his car, waiting for his sister with weary patience.

Lucky Amelia. Always someone to clean up her messes.